Ken Kavanaugh

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Retiree fills many needs to help grant wishes

Chances are you’ve talked to Ken Kavanaugh on the phone or witnessed his humble smile during a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish® Michigan. He’s also dedicated countless hours behind the scenes at the chapter headquarters. For three years, Kavanaugh has raised his hand to help in a wide range of volunteeropportunities with Make-A-Wish Michigan.

“When I retired, I knew I wanted to do volunteer work. I have always admired Make-A-Wish,” Kavanaugh said. “The work we do is very important to both the wish child and their family.”

Kavanaugh helps by answering phones at our headquarters, conducting research for wish coordinators and helping out during fundraisers, such as the Macy’s Thanks For Sharing, Wishes in Flight Telethon, and the Walk For Wishes® – Southeast Michigan. Despite his many hats of volunteerism at Make-A-Wish Michigan, Kavanaugh connects with the heart of our mission as a wish-granting volunteer.

“The child and family get a brief respite from the challenges of battling the medical condition,” Kavanaugh said of why he continues to volunteer. “For a brief time, the child can be just a child and the entire family can focus on something other than the child’s medical condition… Being a Make-A-Wish volunteer is a very rewarding experience.”

When he’s not supporting our mission, Kavanaugh is enjoying his retirement from a career in accounting and various management positions. He spends his time reading, studying genealogy, working on his investment portfolio, building model boats, working on puzzles or playing cards with friends.

Kavanaugh has helped grant ten wishes for Michigan kids, yet he’s always looking for more volunteer opportunities with Make-A-Wish Michigan. Stay tuned to see where you will meet Kavanaugh next!